Customer Reviews

Overpower Pain: The Strength-Training Program that Stops Pain without Drugs or Surgery

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This book did not deliver what it promised. The first few chapters have excellent information on the many soft tissue imbalances that can cause pain. But most of the book is really a very out-of-date strength training guide for "correcting" these imbalances. Many of the exercises are contraindicated, and don't even address the areas the author suggests they do. The models in the photos (I assume one is the author??) have horrific form, with seemingly no ability to stabilize their spine. Corrective exercise has moved way past this author's theories - in fact, more than 10 years ago, so any good personal training or up-to-date physical therapist could give you far more information than this book. To call it a pain relief method is dangerous - these exercises do not address muscle imbalances, will lead to compensation, over-strengthening of large muscle groups in isolation, and atrophy of the intrinsic support system so key to "overpowering pain". Thumbs Down!

What great information! I was having pain in my wrist which I assumed was probably carpal tunnel. Before going to see a dr, I took Mitchell Yass' advice and decided to try the suggested exercises first. I am now completely pain-free without surgery or drugs. I am also now strength-training on a regular basis. Great read!

The author is a physiotherapist (physical therapist) and personal trainer. He has helped thousands of patients avoid unnecessary surgery and drugs through strength training. In this book (and through several articles and lectures) he shares his approach to pain relief by physical therapy, strength training (of muscles).

The book is well illustrated with photographs of various exercises that he recommends to overcome specific problems.

When I had a fall in 2006 I was unable to put my weight on my left leg and had to be hospitalised for about 10 days. After x-ray tests established that there was no fracture and after drugs helped with the initial pain management, I had the benefit of seeing first hand how a good physiotherapist can help in rebuilding the range of muscle movements through exercises of the affected muscles. When I was reading this book, I could thus relate very well with the explanations of the author in Chapter 3.


The approach is quite technical at places and some readers may not be able to follow the same but the main part of the book in Chapter 5 that covers the work out sessions (and which is well illustrated) will certainly hold the attention well.

In any case, it is imperative that any such exercise program should be taken up after a thorough evaluation by a physiotherapist (physical therapist) and a qualified training instructor.

The book is a welcome addition to the growing literature on pain management. I am giving below the contents for the sake of completeness.

Preface

Introduction

Chapter 1 - Weight Lifting isn't just for Bodybuilders

Chapter 2 - Be Safe, Be Effective, and gain Muscle Strength

Chapter 3 - What it means when you are in pain

The Neck, The Lower Back, The Shoulder, The Elbow, The Wrist, The Hip, The Knee, The Ankle, The Foot are covered in separate sections

Chapter 4 - The golden rules of weight training

Chapter 5 - Enough talk - Let's get to work

Under this he covers The Chest, The Abdominal Group, The Back, Upper Back, Lower Back, Entire Back, Biceps, Forearms, The Thigh, The Calf, The Shoulders, The Triceps

Chapter 6 - Stretch, Don't Strain

Chapter 7 - A workout schedule that works for you

Conclusion

Acknowledgements

Glossary

Appendix A

Appendix B

Notes

About the Author

This is a must read for anyone who has pain that does not want to go away! Easy read, I refer back to it often - Check out his website too.

No one enjoys being in pain, but it doesn't have to be the focus of one's life. "Overpower Pain: The Strength-Training Program that Stops Pain without Drugs or Surgery" is a guide to building strength to dull the nagging pain, be it from age, injury, or whatever the circumstance. Chronic pain can be overcome by working the affected muscle through the pain and therefore decreasing the pain in everyday life. "Overpower Pain" is something to be strongly considered for those facing daily, persistent pain.

Overpower Pain by Mitchell T. Yass is a superior
physical training guide which describes classic
weight training problems pictorially.
For instance, progressive resistance is an integral
part of the weight training regimen.

Utilizing weights provides more efficient cardio
and pulmonary functioning. The metabolic rate
is raised with rigorous exercise and muscle
strength is gained with repetitive exercise
sequences. Special weight training sequences
may help arthritis of the neck due to muscular
imbalances which require re-balancing.

Mitchell T. Yass describes classic mistakes
to avoid while training with weights.
For instance, joints should never be locked.
Exercises should be performed with a full range
of controlled slow motion. The appropriate amount
of weight should be selected to enhance the experience.
No more than 2-3 exercises should be done for
each body part exercised.

The geometry of weight training requires that
every exercise be performed on a single plane
with the forearm perpendicular to the floor.
Larger body parts should be worked before
smaller ones. Muscles should be given ample time
to rest from rigorous resistance training.
Also, the knee should be in line with the foot
and not in the front. Lastly, exhale as the
muscle shortens.

The presentation is easy to read and the many diagrams
add to the experience by pinpointing the exact posture
of the body during the exercise regimen .
Classic weight training techniques are described together
with the physical benefit to be expected. Much attention
is paid to safety issues and the need to prevent injury
during intense exercise sessions. Overpower Pain
by Mitchell T. Yass is an excellent value for a wide
spectrum of physical fitness enthusiasts.

Credits: First Published on Blogcritics